16. Clover
SIXTEEN
Clover
I’m running five minutes late to the coffee shop, and I don’t want to keep Rosie waiting. She’s been so good about scheduling this around chores and dealing with Darby—not to mention her own teaching schedule—and I won’t miss this chance to actually make a friend.
Rushing into the store, the bell over my head jingles, and I look around the semi-crowded space for where Rosie might be sitting. The place is cute, in that cozy, country way, and I can’t help but check out the array of plants growing on the counter by the window.
There are always new clippings and stuff, more plants coming and going, and I’ve seen the barista spend at least twenty minutes watering them all.
When I reach the monstera, Rosie is in a plush, beige chair with faded pink flowers all over it, and I hurry over.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. Thank you for waiting.”
She looks up with a smile, waving me off like she does. “Aw, think nothing of it, hun. I’m in no rush today. Weekends are nice for that.”
“Gosh, it must be nice,” I joke and take a seat in the mismatched chair across from her, sinking into the plush, deep teal fabric. “There were at least twelve things I needed to do before I left the house, and that was after giving Brooks the heads up that I had a coffee date this morning.”
The airy, light atmosphere of the coffee shop feels incredible on a hot day like today, and as the wind picks up outside for a moment, it slips in through the cracked windows.
Off-white drapes dance in the breeze, and I sigh, taking the opportunity to enjoy the way it feels on my skin.
“Damn, I guess Brooks really is working you hard.” Rosie chuckles. “Nothing like a bit of caffeine then, huh?”
Opening my eyes, I smile over at her. “Precisely. But it’s gonna be iced today. It’s like a million outside.”
“Ninety-two, but who’s counting?”
We both giggle lightly, and the barista comes by our set of chairs, a small table between them, and gets our drink orders. It’s one of the few places I’ve ever been to where you don’t just order at the counter.
I mean, you could. But they will come to you. So not a New York vibe .
“I’ll have a lavender iced coffee, please,” Rosie orders, and when the barista turns to me, I have to quickly decide between my two favorites.
“Umm…” I hesitate, looking over the menu from where I sit. “I’ll do…a cold brew with an extra shot and…the invigorating blend. Oh, and can you bring a few packets of the Sugar in the Raw?”
The woman who takes our order cocks her head with a grin while she writes it down on her pad. “Someone’s really looking to get a buzz.”
I laugh. “Yeah, I’m looking for all the help I can get. I need it.”
As the barista walks off, Rosie giggles at me. “You’re really that tired? Did you have a hard time falling asleep or…”
She lets the question hang, and I’m immediately brought back to my interrupted…“me time.”
“I, umm, yes. I was woken up last night, and it was difficult to get back to sleep.”
We settle into our seats, going about some small talk until our drinks are delivered. After we sip at the splendid nectar and god of all those who suffer from fatigue, Rosie clears her throat and eyes me.
“So, how is working for Brooks? You seem a little stressed.”
I let out a sigh. “It’s not that bad, really. I’m just not used to it. Though, that has been getting better.”
Sipping at my cold brew, I stare down at the table between us, my thoughts churning.
“What’s going on in that head of yours then? I can tell something’s up.”
Leave it to Rosie to be exceptionally perceptive. “That trick must work wonders with the kids.”
“It can be useful. But now it’s your turn.” She smiles. “Come on.”
A chuckling sigh leaves me, and I nod, taking a sip from my mug and setting it down.
“Yeah, it’s just…there’s some… tension between us.”
Rosie cocks a brow. “Details, please.”
“There’s been some moments between us that feel like…they might mean something. If you catch my drift.”
She laughs at me and leans forward in her chair. “I’m catching that you’re interested in him. Yeah?”
Chewing on my lip, I try not to acknowledge it. I’m not supposed to, after all, and this is a weird situation. Rosie is Darby’s teacher. I don’t want anything to jeopardize Brooks’s life with his kid, and if Rosie feels like telling him…that would not be good.
“Hey,” Rosie takes my hand, getting me to look at her, “I’m not going to say anything. I’m not one to judge. I don’t think we can choose what our heart wants, anyway. I’d probably have a much easier time dating if we could.”
We both laugh, and I find myself nodding. “Yeah, there’s something there. Brooks is…intriguing, to say the least. But he’s been so closed off. Even in terms of friendship. But, umm, the other night…he told me about his ex, Leah. That was…a lot.”
“Oof,” Rosie leans back, “that’s an understatement. Everyone in town knows what Leah did, and none of us look too kindly on it. I’ve known Brooks for a long while, even before Leah, since we both grew up here, and I’ll tell you that even then, he was naturally reserved. But after? It’s worse, that’s for sure.”
I can’t help but be a little stunned by that. I know that news circulates easily—and really damn fast—in a small town, but the fact that everyone knows about Leah is…slightly disturbing.
“Can’t say I’d love for everyone to know my business. Can’t imagine Brooks likes it either. Especially since he is more on the ‘close to the vest’ side of the fence.”
Rosie nods. “I’m pretty sure he hates it. Yeah.”
There’s a beat of silence, and then Rosie looks up at me from her drink, a look in her eyes I can’t quite describe but one I know means she’s about to say something.
“Look,” she sets the coffee down and eyes me, “he’s a character, but there’s a reason he’s ‘Ace’ to everyone around these parts. He’s a good guy. But he’s going to take a while to open up. He’s been hurt, you know? All I can say is don’t give up on the guy. I’ve been his friend, his kid’s teacher for a long time, and I want to see him happy—for once.”
Warmth fills my chest, and I smile at Rosie. I’m not sure exactly what I expected to hear her say or what I wanted to hear, but this is apparently it.
Knowing that Brooks isn’t just singling me out—I mean any more than anyone else from the city—is a relief.
“I won’t. I’ve seen how hard he works. At the very least, I can tell he’s a guy who doesn’t ask for help easily, so he must really need it if he does. I’m happy to lend a hand.”
“Good.” Rosie nods. “And I don’t want you giving up on that offer I made you either. We still need a regular singer.”
A laugh escapes, and I go for my drink, hiding myself behind the cup. “And now I’m on blast. Jeez!”
We giggle at the tease, and I shake my head. “I was just looking to get some coffee, and now, I’m expected to add ‘performer’ to my already long list of responsibilities, huh?”
Rosie squints at me, then nods. “Yes.”
All I can do is laugh, leaning on that coffee for some strength.
“You’re good, Clover. And we need to diversify our offerings at events, especially since one bout of food poisoning almost canceled the entire thing. It’s not smart to only have one singer. And you are way too good to keep that talent to yourself.”
Taking a compliment about myself that doesn’t have to do with work has always been a challenge, so I swallow hard and simply nod.
“Thanks, Rosie. Umm, I’ll think about it. Like I said.” Shrugging, I tack on, “I do have a lot on my plate right now.”
“I get that.” She looks at me utterly straight-faced. “But you need to make some time for fun, too.”
Easier said than done. I’ve never been particularly good at that.
Silence creeps over the table, and then my phone buzzes, where it’s resting on the small table next to my coffee. I snag it, seeing that I have a text message.
“God, it’s probably Brooks asking where I am.”
As I pull up the message, my stomach drops. It’s not Brooks. It’s Kyle. The blood rushes out of my face, and dread crawls over me.
Get your ass back to NYC and fix your mess. Or so help me, I’ll get you here myself.
“You okay?” I look up from my phone, suddenly remembering that I’m not alone. “Clover?”
“Umm,” my mouth is so fucking dry, and I think my hands are trembling, “yeah. I’m fine. Sorry. Just a text.”
“Clover, don’t ever play poker.” Rosie raises her brows at me, her lips rolled between her lips. “You are terrible at bluffing.”
With a forced chuckle, I tuck my phone away and go for my coffee, leaning on the beverage to solve all my problems for me again.
“Sorry, just some silly shitty news about work back in the city. I need to let it go.”
Rosie offers a sympathetic smile. “Oh, hun. You do. That stuff’s miles away. Focus on getting Brooks off your ass and then deal with…what was it that you did again?”
Another weak laugh leaves me. “Marketing.”
“Oh, that’s right. Sorry. But seriously,” she puts a hand on my knee. “You came for a break from all that, right? So take your break.”
I just nod. It’s what I’ve told people. A break. Right. Aside from Brooks, no one really knows that the situation is so much worse than a simple unhappy client.
But I need to do like Rosie says regardless. Kyle won’t find me here, and I’m safe while the authorities investigate things back home.
“You’re right. I’m letting it go.” I smile, holding up my coffee in a mock toast.
“Atta girl. Now, before you have to get back to Brooks, how about we go sneak over to the bookstore next door. I need new reading material. Alas, I have finished the latest fairy romance I bought.”
Laughing for real this time, I nod. “Oh, that sounds great. I’ve been looking for something myself.”
Rosie raises her brows, that look of “So you read fantasy smut, too?” on her face.
“But I’m in the mood for something a bit darker this time. I’m thinking…” I lean in, whispering conspiratorially. “…shadow daddy.”
She plays off being shocked, putting a hand to her chest, and then we both burst out into laughter. It’s a relief, and we get packed up to go over to the bookstore.
The smell of paper hits me as soon as we go into the shop. Even so, I can’t shake the worry coursing through my veins.
Kyle has been on my mind just as much as Brooks has, and I don’t like that he’s still fuming about all this back home.
I have to rely on hope and the belief that I was careful when I moved here, trusting that Kyle can’t know I’m here.
And it’s not working.